BRITISH Superbike front-runner Neil Hodgson clinched his first victory of the season at Thruxton.

The 26-year-old Burnley rider won the second of two heats in an incident-packed meeting at the Hampshire track.

Torrential rain forced the organisers to halt the race with seven laps to go to the chequered flag, with Hodgson's INS Ducati just 0.3 seconds ahead of Steve Hislop's Yamaha.

The opening heat was red-flagged after only eight laps to allow paramedics to treat Honda rider Shane Byrne, who suffered severe back injuries after being thrown over the top of his machine at the chicane.

The decision handed victory to Reve Red Bull Ducati rider James Haydon, with Suzuki's Chris Walker second and Hodgson third.

The result consolidates Hodgson's second place in the overall standings, with John Reynolds, who finished fourth and third, ahead by 22 points.

A water leak forced Hoddlesden's Darren Barton out of the 250cc race, whilst lying fifth overall.

Race one: 1: James Haydon (Ducati); 2: Chris Walker (Suzuki); 3: Neil Hodgson (Ducati).

Race two: 1: Neil Hodgson; 2: Steve Hislop (Yamaha); 3: John Reynolds (Ducati). Overall: 1: John Reynolds 112 pts; 2: Neil Hodgson 90; 3: Chris Walker 87.